University of Adelaide's Dr Jessica Marathe has received a $75,000 grant to research possible genetic causes of under-diagnosed cardiovascular conditions.
Dr Marathe, a Senior Clinical Lecturer and Interventional Cardiologist with Central Adelaide Local Health Network, was awarded the funding through the Heart Foundation Australia's Vanguard Grant scheme.
The scheme supports projects which are expected to produce tangible outcomes with the potential to further advance preclinical research technology or improve cardiovascular health.
Dr Marathe will use the grant to advance the understanding and management of coronary vasomotor disorders.
"Vasomotor disorders are a group of under-recognised and under-diagnosed cardiovascular conditions which are characterised clinically by patients describing symptoms that are similar to the symptoms associated with angina. However, on further investigation, traditional atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is ruled out as a cause of it," said Dr Marathe.
"Coronary vasomotor disorders manifest as recurrent chest pain due to abnormal constriction/relaxation of coronary microscopic vessels, and/or large coronary artery spasm.
"These elusive disorders often affect women disproportionally, and are best diagnosed via functional coronary angiography, where microvascular function is assessed by coronary blood flow/pressure studies, and by inducing large coronary artery spasms."
Dr Marathe and her team will carry out genomic sequencing on the DNA of 120 people with coronary vasomotor disorder to explore potential genetic markers associated with the conditions.
"This Vanguard grant will help us explore why some people have a genetic predisposition that is responsible for the development of these disorders, and investigate the spectrum of symptoms we see in patients with coronary vasomotor disorders," she said.
"We hope this work will not only further our understanding of these conditions, but will also help us develop and trial targeted therapies to improve clinical outcomes."
University of Adelaide Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), commended Dr Marathe on her work.
"This funding will allow Dr Marathe to investigate possible links between genetics and serious cardiac conditions and help those people affected," said Professor Middelberg.
"The University of Adelaide's community of researchers are world-leaders in their fields, tackling challenges head on and discovering innovative solutions to make the world a better and safer place."
This project is among 66 new, pioneering research initiatives funded this year by the Heart Foundation totalling $13.7 million, made possible through the generosity of donors in Australia.
Heart Foundation CEO David Lloyd congratulated Dr Marathe and thanked donors for their support in funding this vital research.
"Cardiovascular disease remains a devastating health issue, claiming the lives of one person every 18 minutes," he said.
"Researchers play a crucial role in working to turn this statistic around. Their work helps us understand the causes, develop more effective treatments, and improve prevention strategies.
"The generosity of people in Australia over the past year has ensured we can continue to support vital cardiovascular research, including this project/these projects."
